Photo Credit: Jose Moreno/Philadelphia Inquirer
The Flyers tough season continued on Wednesday May 10, 2022, and that was made evident following the NHL Draft lottery. The Flyers finished the season with the fourth worst record in the NHL, and by the end of the night on Wednesday they now have the fifth selection in the upcoming NHL draft is a fell one slot due to the ping pong balls.
Somehow the New Jersey Devils got lucky once again, is they catapulted to the second overall pick from the fifth position. The Flyers just have no luck, but in the end they will still be able to draft a good player, so that’s a positive. Some names that might be available are Joakim Kemell, Matthew Savoie, and David Jiricek.
Joakim Kemell
Kemell was slowed down by an shoulder injury, nothing away from his excellent season. He lit the lamp for 15 goals in a very tough Liiga League while playing for JVP. Kemell also registered eight assists for a combined 23 points in 39 games played. He’s an excellent goal-scorer, and won the Flyers can use because of his sharp shooting skills. However, he is a good penalty killer, and Kemell could also play the Power Play.
He likes physicality, Kemell just tries to help his team win no matter what. Kemell is coachable and has the skills to refine his game at the NHL level. His skating could use work and hopefully improves upon this area, but his overall game is reminiscent of Patrik Laine. Kemell is a pure sniper, and that is something the Flyers need immediately.
Matthew Savoie
Flyers fans may already know Savoie, as he plays with a Flyers Prospect Connor McClennon with the Winnipeg Ice in the WHL. Savoie is highly skilled as he stands at 5’9, and weighs 179 pounds.
He is a smart, fast hockey player that has tons of talent. The reason the Flyers might have an eye for Savoie because they are in desperate needs of a Center. Savoie netted 35 goals, and 55 assists in 65 games played this past season.
David Jiricek
If the Flyers wanted to beef up the blue line in the first round than look no further than Jiricek. It’s highly unlikely that Simon Nemec would fall this far in a draft, but you never know. However, Jiricek is a rugged defenseman, that is very physical. Let’s not take away from his offensive side of the game as he has a monster shot from the point, and it’s highly accurate.
He did Miss time with a knee injury this season, but this is a prospect that doesn’t need much seasoning. Jiricek netted five goals registered 6 assists in 29 games played for HC Škoda Plzeň. As mentioned above, he plays with the physical edge to his game as he stands at 6’3, and weighs 190 pounds.
In the end, the Flyers will get a good player with the 5th overall pick at the draft. They can draft a sniper, yes a sniper finally in Joakim Kemell, or feel the need at the center position with Matthew Savoie. What I’m saying is the Flyers have lot’s of good options here.
Check out our Flyers Nitty Gritty Store
